Pool table game including process for interactively delivering specific instructions to each player for all shots during game play

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a method of playing a billiards game among a plurality of players. The invention resides in the delivery of a set of shot instructions to each player in the game. Each player is to take turns shooting his or her assigned balls according to the set of shot instructions. Once all shot instructions have been complied with, the game is scored according to the rules of the particular game and a winner is determined. The method of delivering shot instructions has application in many different games with varying sets of game rules.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to billiard games. More particularly, thepresent invention relates to billiard games wherein players are assigneda discrete set of balls and then receive a set of shot instructions thatcontrol the manner and order in which the players shoot those balls.

Billiard games have been around for centuries. Various types of priorart billiard games include 8-ball, 9-ball, cut-throat, etc. Such priorart billiard games allow a player to determine the manner in which aball is shot, i.e., straight shot, cut shot, bank shot, multiple railshot, etc. In addition, with a few notable exceptions (9-ball), a playercan shoot his or her assigned balls in any sequence.

Such prior art games involve a great deal of skill in shooting theballs, determining the order in which to shoot the balls, and where toposition the cue ball for the next shot. A skillful player can dominatesuch a game against a less skillful player. Such domination can lead toa player “running the table”, i.e., shooting all of his or her assignedballs without the other player even getting a turn.

Indeed, most games between players of different skill levels usuallyresult in the more skillful player getting more shooting opportunities.Being up against a more skillful player can make a game uninteresting oreven boring. Especially where the game excitement comes from actuallyshooting a ball and most of the time is spent watching someone elseshoot their balls.

Accordingly, there is a need for a new billiard game wherein players ofdifferent skill levels can compete on a more level playing field. Thereis also a need for a new billiard game wherein multiple players receivean equal number of opportunities to shoot their assigned balls. Thepresent invention fulfills these needs and provides other relatedadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a method of playing a billiardsgame among a plurality of players. The method begins with assigning abilliard ball set to each of the players and establishing a shootingorder for the players. Next, player-specific shot instructions aredelivered to each of the players. Each player then shoots the assignedbilliard ball set according to the player-specific shot instructions inthe established shooting order.

Each billiard ball set comprises a plurality of uniquely identifiedballs, with each ball having a specified point value associated with theunique identification. The player-specific shot instructions comprise aplurality of shot instructions corresponding to each of the plurality ofuniquely identified balls. The shot instructions may include one-rail,two-rail, three-rail, wild, question, no shot and bonus shotinstructions.

Each of the players shoots each of the assigned billiard balls from astarting area to a target area according to the player-specific shotinstructions. After each player has performed all of the player-specificshot instructions, the players must determine which of the assignedbilliard balls is closest to the target area. The game is scored basedupon the specified point value of the ball that was closest to thetarget area, with the points going to the player to which the closestball was assigned.

The billiards game may comprise multiple rounds with each roundcomprising repeating the delivering of instructions, shooting the balls,determining the player closest to the target area and scoring based uponwhich ball was closest. In each of the multiple rounds, the players mayshoot at a different target area.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following more detailed description, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way ofexample, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates an array of billiard balls according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a one-rail shot instruction according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a two-rail shot instruction according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a three-rail shot instruction according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a no shot shot instruction according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a question shot instruction according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a wild card shot instruction according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a bonus shot shot instruction according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 depicts the path of a one-rail shot according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates the path of a two-rail shot according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates the path of a three-rail shot according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates a measuring device according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 illustrates the use of the measuring device according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method embodying the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention is concerned with a method of playing a billiardsgame among a plurality of players. As with most billiard games, a set ofuniquely identified billiard balls are assigned to each player and ashooting order of the players is established. Distinct from mostbilliard games is the fact that each player is assigned a set ofplayer-specific shot instructions which establish the order and themanner in which the player must shoot the balls assigned to him or her.Each player then shoots the assigned billiard ball set according to theplayer-specific shot instructions in the established shooting order.

This inventive method will herein be described in the context of aparticular set of game rules and variations thereon. However, a personhaving ordinary skill in the art will realize that the inventive methodof delivering shot instructions controlling the order and manner inwhich a player shoots his or her assigned billiard balls has applicationto any number of games with varying rules.

A game which follows this inventive method will challenge players of allabilities in unique ways by requiring very precise control of each shotunder only those conditions that are specified or allowed by the shotinstructions. Delivery of varying shot instructions from game to gamewill facilitate each player being randomly challenged by a variety ofdisadvantages, while at other times being the beneficiary of a varietyof advantages. The inventive method results in games that challenge theability, intelligence and consistency of players, while blending bothoffensive and defense strategies.

Players of all skill levels will be equally involved in every game,whereas with most pool table games the better player typically spendsfar more time shooting than does his or her less skilled competition.Players of varying skill levels will be able to successfully competeagainst one another with only a modicum of experience and a littlepractice. Even entry level players will achieve success, fulfillment andenjoyment when competing against players with far more experience andability. Periodic advantages brought about by the range of availableshot instructions and sequences when compared to the shot instructionsand sequences of an opponent will enable even the most inexperiencedplayers to achieve success.

To practice the inventive method one should provide ball sets, shotinstructions, game rules and a measuring device, all of which can bepackaged and marketed as a game unit and/or as individual components.Additional components, as they become available can be marketed as well.The game herein described may be played on any size pool table,including billiard tables without pockets. No adjustments are requiredto any table.

As shown in FIG. 1, the ball sets are preferably delivered in a masterset of 16 balls, as with prior art billiard sets. All balls areregulation size manufactured to industry standards. The ball set for theinventive method preferably comprises five sets of three balls plus anextra ball.

Each three-ball set is preferably of a unique color. By way of exampleonly, the colored three-ball sets can be yellow, blue, red, purple andorange. Other color combinations are possible so long as each three-ballset can be uniquely identified. Each ball may also be identified by someother unique identifier, i.e., numbering each three-ball set with anumber one through five. Each uniquely identified three-ball set shouldinclude three distinct ball designs. One possible distinct design is toinclude a one-striped ball, a two-striped ball and a three-striped ballin each set.

Alternatively, the ball sets may comprise different numbers. Forexample, three five-ball sets are possible where every one-striped ballis assigned to one player, every two-striped ball is assigned to anotherplayer, and every three-striped ball is assigned to a third player, ifnecessary. In this instance, the ball designs (one-stripe, two-stripe,three-stripe) would identify the player and the unique colors wouldcorrespond to the point value. As a further example, the colors ornumbers may be limited to three and the number of stripe variationsincreased to five. A person skilled in the art will realize that otherball combinations are possible, especially with different ball designsand unique identifiers.

In the preferred embodiment, each unique ball within a three-ball setwill carry a specific point value. With the stripe designs the pointvalues can be commensurate with the number of stripes the balls have:the one-striped ball carries a value of one point; the two-striped ballcarries a value of two points; and the three-striped ball carries avalue of three points. In this embodiment, as many as three points maybe achieved in each game/round as will be determined based upon thenumber of stripes on the “winning” ball, as explained below.

The one-, two- and three-striped balls have default shot methodscontrolling the manner in which they are shot—as either a one-rail shot(the one-striped ball), a two-rail shot (the two-striped ball) or athree-rail shot (the three-striped ball). However, as described belowthe shot instructions may modify these default shot methods such thatballs may be specified to be shot in different ways or may be permittedto be shot in different ways.

The extra ball is generally similar to a cue ball in a standard billiardset. This ball (largely white in color) is a “bonus” ball, which is usedin specific circumstances during matches. When a player is delivered abonus shot instruction, as explained below, he or she may elect to shoota “free” shot at specified junctions during game play. This extra ballis used to exercise these “free” shots, which may employ any of thethree legal shot types (either a one-, two- or three-rail shot). Thisextra ball may be used offensively, to achieve a position nearest to thetarget, or to advance another ball to a position closer to the target.Alternatively, the extra ball may be used defensively, to sink or retardthe position of an opponents' ball. The extra ball may carry anydesignated point value but preferably carries a value of one point.Should a legally executed extra ball end a game in the winning position,the player having executed this shot is awarded one point.

The shot instructions provide the means to orchestrate and deliver avast number of competitive game scenarios. They dictate how balls are tobe shot. Each instruction specifies a type of shot available to aplayer. The shot instructions are the mechanisms through which a vastnumber of competitive game scenarios are “interactively” orchestratedand communicated to the players. These shot instructions tell theplayers exactly what shot(s) may be executed at each shot opportunity.

As shown in FIGS. 2-8, there are a total of six (6) different shotinstructions, which can be delivered to the players in a variety ofcombinations, such to provide all players with a variety of uniquechallenges and opportunities. Throughout game play, the dynamics of howthese shot instructions “match up” with those of opposing players willprovide thousands of unique competitive scenarios that players willencounter.

The three “ball” shot instructions, as depicted in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 aresolid or patterned round elements with one, two or three diagonal linesthrough them. These shot instructions correspond to the “default” shotsfor each of the three balls in the player ball sets. These instructionsare very specific—when any of these instructions are delivered to aplayer, the player MUST execute shots as follows:

(1) The “one-striped” ball shot instruction (FIG. 2) requires the playerreceiving this instruction to shoot only his or her one-striped ball (ifit has not already been played) executing it as a one-rail shot;

(2) The “two-striped” ball shot instruction (FIG. 3) requires the playerreceiving the instruction to shoot only his or her two-striped ball (ifit has not already been played) as a two-rail shot; and

(3) The “three-striped” ball shot instruction (FIG. 4) requires theplayer receiving this instruction to shoot only his or her three-stripedball (if it has not already been played) executing it as a three-railshot.

If upon receiving any of these “ball” instructions, the specified ballhas already been shot in the current game, then the player maysubstitute any other ball that has not been specified for use at anothertime in the present game. However, any such ball must be shot using thenumber of rails consistent with the number of stripes specified by theshot instruction.

Three additional shot instructions (FIGS. 5, 6, and 7) are as follows:

(1) The “no-shot” shot instruction (FIG. 5) is represented by a diagonalline through the center of an open circle. The player receiving thisinstruction is permitted ‘no shot’. In a game comprising a plurality ofinstructions delivered to a player, the no shot instruction should bedelivered only as early or middle instructions, but never as a finalshot instruction. Nor should it be delivered more than once on any setof shot instructions;

(2) The “question-mark” shot instruction (FIG. 6) is represented by aquestion mark in the center of a circle. The player receiving thisinstruction must shoot the ball in the manner specified (i.e. a one-,two- or three-rail shot) by his or her opponent. The player receivingthis instruction (and shooting this opponent-specified shot) may use anyball that is “available” for use (that has not already been played orotherwise specified for use by another shot instruction in the presentround). When more than two players are competing, the opponent whofollows the player receiving this instruction will specify the shot;

(3) The “wild” shot instruction (FIG. 7), represented by a “W” in acircle, enables the player receiving this instruction to shoot any ballthat is “available” for use (not already having been played or otherwisespecified for use by another shot instruction in the present game), andmay shoot it in any of the three manners (as a one-, two-, or three-railshot).

The bonus shot instruction (FIG. 8), represented by the word “BONUS”,entitles the player receiving this shot instruction to a “free” shot ofhis or her choosing, at specific junctures during a game. The “free”shot may be exercised in the round in which the instruction wasdelivered, or held for use in a future round in the current game. It maybe used offensively (to achieve a position near the Target Pocket, or toadvance another of the player's balls) or defensively (to retard orpocket an opponent's ball). No player may use more than one bonus shotinstruction in any game. Should a player receive a second bonus shotinstruction in the same game, that instruction must immediately besurrendered. In a variation where shot instructions are delivered oncards, the surrendered bonus shot instruction is replaced in the deckand the deck then immediately re-shuffled and cut, prior to resumingplay. This “free” shot is always executed using the white extra ball,which carries a value of one point. Should a game end with this whiteextra ball nearest the target area, the player having shot it is awardeda single point.

Only one bonus shot instruction may be exercised in any one round. Oncea player has exercised his or her bonus shot instruction, opposingplayers may not exercise a second bonus shot instruction in that sameround. A bonus shot instruction may be used either immediately before orimmediately after a player's specific shot instruction. The player alsogets to use his or her delivered specific shot instruction when using abonus instruction. In addition, a player may use a bonus instructionafter the specific shot instructions of all players have been executed.

In one preferred embodiment, the shot instructions may be delivered in adeck of varied shot instruction cards, each stipulating the order, typesof shots, ball usage and any shot options that each player must adhereto during each game. Each card displays multiple shot instructions,preferably three, to correspond to the number of balls in a set. Thecards indicate, top to bottom, what shot and/or what shot options aplayer may execute in each of three turns of a round. The top-most shotinstruction represents the first turn shot, the middle shot instructionrepresents the second turn shot and the bottom-most shot instructionrepresents the third turn shot. With thousands of possible card pairingsand options, every game will present a completely new set of challengingconditions for all players. A preferred deck would include aboutfifty-two cards to create sufficient variety and keep game playinteresting. In addition to the shot instruction cards that displaymultiple instructions, there are two additional bonus cards as describedabove.

Each player will draw, or will be dealt, his or her own shot instructioncard prior to the beginning of each game. How these cards “match up”against the card(s) of other players will dictate play for that game.Alternatively, the shot instructions may be delivered by electronicmeans on a personal portable device, i.e., a PDA, or other similardevice. The electronic device would randomly generate a set of shotinstructions for each player similar to the cards described above.

All shot instructions are to be executed (shot) from a starting area,preferably the “spot” on a billiards table, in either a one-, two- orthree-rail orientation as dictated by the shot instructions. The objectis to get the ball closest to a target area using the designated mannerof shot. In the described game, a player shoots his or her ball toward atarget area to achieve a position nearest to the target area. Where thetarget area is a pocket, the object is to be the closest to the targetpocket without going into the target pocket.

A “live play” area is designated around the target area bordered by thesecond diamonds along both the vertical (long) and the horizontal(short) rails, nearest to the “target pocket”. These points alsointersect with the “spot” or starting area. The “live play” areacomprises one-eighth (⅛) of the tables surface area. Should any ballfall into a pocket, including the “target pocket”, or come to restoutside the “live play” area, by any means, whether shot offensively oras a result of a defensively played shot, it is considered “dead” andimmediately removed from the table, for the duration of the currentround.

All players have the same arsenal of shots at their disposal, forexecution at the direction of the shot instructions. All shots willstart from the starting area and will be directly struck by the cuestick (unlike most pool table games wherein only the cue-ball isdirectly struck by the cue stick).

The three types of shots permitted in the preferred embodiment are:

(1) The one-rail shot (FIG. 9), which must first contact the end railfarthest from the target pocket and then may contact either side or endrail nearest to the target pocket;

(2) The two-rail shot (FIG. 10), which must first contact the end railfarthest from the target pocket, then must contact the side raildiagonally opposite the target pocket, then may contact either side orend rail nearest to the target pocket; and

(3) The three-rail shot (FIG. 11), which must first contact the siderail, on the same side of the table as the target pocket, then mustcontact the end rail farthest from the target pocket, then must contactthe side rail diagonally opposite the target pocket, it may then contacteither side or end rail nearest to the target pocket.

Contact with any rails other than those identified above constitutes afoul, the minimum penalty for which is the immediate removal of thefouling ball from play. Additional penalties may apply under certainother circumstances.

After the last shot of each game, the ball closest to the target areawill be deemed the “winning” ball. A measuring device, as depicted inFIGS. 12 and 13, is used to aid players in determining which of two ormore balls has achieved a position nearest to the target area, when suchdetermination cannot be made by eye alone. This component may beprovided in mechanical form as depicted. However, other forms, i.e.electronic or laser devices, capable of measuring relative distances ona similar scale would suffice. The player to which that winning ball isassigned is awarded a number of points corresponding to the valueassigned to the winning ball—either one, two, or three points willordinarily be awarded.

A typical game following the inventive method, as illustrated in FIG.14, begins with each player selecting or being assigned a set ofbilliard balls (110), as described above. The players then agree upon alength of the game (120), for example, the first to eighteen points, inwhich the first player to achieve the specified points is the winner ofthe game.

Next, the order in which the players take turns is established. (130)Players may alternate shooting first in each round of a game. A set ofplayer specific shot instructions is delivered to each player. (140) Asdescribed above, these shot instructions may be delivered as shotinstruction cards from a deck, by electronic means or by any otheravailable means. The player-specific instructions specify the exactshots required of each player in each turn of the current round. A newset of shot instructions is similarly delivered to each player for eachensuing round until the game is over.

In the pre-determined order, all players play their first turn shotfollowing the player-specific shot instructions. In the samepre-determined order, all players then play their next turn shotfollowing the player-specific shot instructions. This will continueuntil all players have shot all of their assigned balls or followed allof their delivered shot instructions, i.e., three rounds. (150)

Pursuant to the bonus shot instruction described above, a player may usea bonus shot instruction at the permitted times. After the final shot ofthe last turn has come to rest, the round is normally over. However, ifany player is still holding a bonus shot instruction and no other playerhas used a bonus shot instruction in the current round, he or she mayuse the bonus shot instruction to take an additional shot, using theextra ball (1-point value).

After the final shot of the round comes to rest, a winner is determinedbased upon which player's ball, still remaining within the “live playarea,” is closest to the target area (160). He or she will be awardedthe number of points equivalent to the point value of the winning ball.(170) The winning player's score for the game is then increased by theappropriate number of points. Score may be kept by moving players'tokens the specified number of “diamonds” around the table. Any scoringmethod that is acceptable to all players may be used.

Each player is then delivered a new set of player-specific shotinstructions and play continues with the next round. The next player inthe established order shoots first in the ensuing round. Each round mayprogress to a new target area, i.e., pocket, to change the skillsrequired in successive rounds. When one player achieves the agreed totalnumber of points, the game is over. (180)

In a typical game according to the present invention the pairing betweenthe shot instructions delivered to one player and the shot instructionsdelivered to all other players creates a dynamic that can equate toadvantages for certain players and disadvantages for other players.Considering the available shot instructions and the possiblecombinations of two, three or more shot instructions, the number ofavailable sets of shot instructions is enormous. On top of that, whenone considers the possible combinations of one set of shot instructionsmatched up against another set of shot instructions, the variation fromround-to-round and game-to-game is almost limitless.

Each matching up of shot instructions presents players with differentadvantages or disadvantages. For example, the breaking player in a roundis already at a slight disadvantage as one or more opponents willreceive a subsequent shot. In addition, the combined specifics of theshot instructions may either overcome or worsen this disadvantage basedupon a number of considerations.

The type and order of specific shot instructions can tip theadvantage/disadvantage balance one way or the other. If one player isrequired to shoot the most valuable ball first, this creates adisadvantage. The no shot instruction similarly creates a disadvantagefor the player that receives this instruction. Further, shotinstructions may require multiple two- or three-rail shots in the laterrounds which increase the disadvantage. An enormous disadvantage ariseswith the question mark shot instruction which allows another player tospecify the shot that must be attempted.

Advantages arise from receiving wild card shot instructions or beingable to specify an opponent's shot. Persons having ordinary skill in theart will realize the advantages and disadvantages imparted by thepossible combinations of shot instructions and pairing of shotinstructions.

Although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposesof illustration, various modifications may be made without departingfrom the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the inventionis not to be limited, except as by the appended claims.

1. A method of playing a billiards game among a plurality of players,comprising the steps of: assigning a billiard ball set to each of theplayers; establishing a shooting order for the players; deliveringplayer specific shot instructions to each of the players; and eachplayer shooting the assigned billiard ball set according to the playerspecific shot instructions in the established shooting order.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein each billiard ball set comprises a pluralityof uniquely identified balls.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein theplayer specific shot instructions comprise a plurality of shotinstructions corresponding to each of the plurality of uniquelyidentified balls.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the plurality ofuniquely identified balls each have a specified point value that isassociated with the unique identification.
 5. The method of claim 4,further comprising the steps of determining which of the uniquelyidentified balls from all of the players is closest to a target area,and scoring the game based upon the specified point value of theuniquely identified ball that is closest to the target area.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the shot instructions include one-rail,two-rail, three-rail, wild, question, no shot and bonus shotinstructions.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the playersshoots the assigned billiard balls from a starting area to a targetarea.
 8. The method of claim 5, wherein the billiards game comprisesmultiple rounds and each round comprises repeating the delivering,shooting, determining and scoring steps.
 9. The method of claim 8,wherein the players shoot at a different target area in each round. 10.A method of playing a billiards game among a plurality of players,comprising the steps of: assigning a billiard ball set to each of theplayers, each billiard ball set comprising a plurality of uniquelyidentified balls wherein each ball has a specified point value that isassociated with the unique identification; establishing a shooting orderfor the players; delivering player specific shot instructions to each ofthe players, the player specific shot instructions comprising aplurality of shot instructions corresponding to each of the plurality ofuniquely identified balls; and each player shooting the assignedbilliard ball set according to the player specific shot instructions inthe established shooting order.
 11. The method of claim 10, furthercomprising the steps of determining which of the uniquely identifiedballs from all of the players is closest to a target area, and scoringthe game based upon the specified point value of the uniquely identifiedball that is closest to the target area.
 12. The method of claim 10,wherein the shot instructions include one-rail, two-rail, three-rail,wild, question, no shot and bonus shot instructions.
 13. The method ofclaim 10, wherein each of the players shoots each of the assignedbilliard balls from a starting area to a target area.
 14. The method ofclaim 13, wherein the billiards game comprises multiple rounds and eachround comprises repeating the delivering, shooting, determining andscoring steps.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the players shoot ata different target area in each round.
 16. A method of playing abilliards game among a plurality of players, comprising the steps of:assigning a billiard ball set to each of the players, each billiard ballset comprising a plurality of uniquely identified balls, wherein eachball has a specified point value that is associated with the uniqueidentification; establishing a shooting order for the players;delivering player specific shot instructions to each of the players, theplayer specific shot instructions comprising a plurality of shotinstructions corresponding to each of the plurality of uniquelyidentified balls, wherein the shot instructions include one-rail,two-rail, three-rail, wild, question, no shot and bonus shotinstructions; each player shooting the assigned billiard ball set from astarting area to a target area according to the player specific shotinstructions in the established shooting order; determining which of theuniquely identified balls from all of the players is closest to thetarget area; and scoring the game based upon the specified point valueof the uniquely identified ball that is closest to the target area,wherein the game comprises multiple rounds and each round comprisesrepeating the delivering, shooting, determining and scoring steps, andwherein the players shoot at a different target area in each round.